Breast Cancer
If you've been diagnosed with breast cancer, you're not alone. You're surrounded by a compassionate team of expert physicians and staff dedicated to caring for you. Our Hematology & Medical Oncology team works in collaboration our multidisciplinary providers in Breast Surgery, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Radiology and Rehabilitation to offer comprehensive breast treatment options including the most up-to-date clinical modalities and the latest and best medical technology to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who are diagnosed with breast cancer.
In women, breast cancer is the second most common cancer (next to skin cancer). About one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. An ever-evolving understanding of the biology of breast cancer has provided incredible progress in the fight against it, including identification of breast cancer subtypes, molecular biomarkers and targeted therapies.
At WakeMed, breast cancer screening, education, resources and services are all critical components of preventative care for all who are at risk for breast cancer — including women, men and those of the LGBTQIA community.
Diagnostics for Breast Cancer
Once the type of breast cancer is established, additional testing is done to determine the stage of the cancer. It is important to know if the tumor is primary or metastatic and if it has spread to other parts of the body.
Testing
- Diagnostic Testing
Imaging
- Breast Biopsy
- Cerianna Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography PET/CT - FES PET/CT
- Diagnostic Breast Ultrasound
- Diagnostic Mammogram
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Types of Breast Cancer
- Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
- Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)
- Invasive Lobular Cancer (ILC)
- Triple Negative Breast Cancer
- Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)
- Metastatic Breast Cancer
- Breast Cancer During Pregnancy
- Other Rare Types
- Medullary Carcinoma
- Mucinous Carcinoma (Colloid)
- Tubular Carcinoma
- Paget Disease Of The Breast Or Nipple
Treatments for Breast Cancer
Local Treatments
- Surgery (may include removal of breast tissue, nipple, areola, skin and sentinel/axillary lymph nodes)
- Radiation
- Oncologic Reconstruction
Systemic Treatments
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone Therapy
- Targeted Drug Therapy
- Immunotherapy
Common Treatment Approaches
- Breast Cancer by Stage
- Triple-negative Breast Cancer
- Inflammatory Breast Cancer
- Breast Cancer During Pregnancy